Transmission line connector



Aug. 22, 1961 H. G. KoENxG TRANSMISSION LINE CONNECTOR Filed Sept. 29, 1958 1 o? Y p 2 j 6 Z maar 6&1- v 3 9 0 m 2 000% INV ENTOR.

BY MM United States Patent- O 2,997,683 Y l TRANSNIISSION LINE CONNECTOR Herbert G. Koenig, Griggsville, lll., assignor to Trio Manufacturing Co., Griggsville, Ill., a corporation o of Illinois Filed Sept. 29, 1958, Ser. No. 763,985 6 Claims. (Cl. 339-99) This invention relates generally to antennas and more particularly, relates to an improved structure for a connector `for coupling transmission lines to electr-ical signal translating apparatus, such as antennas, either of the transmitting or receiving type.

Although not specically limited thereto, the transmission line connector embodying the invention is especially -useful for connection of transmission lines of antennas designed to receive television signals `over the present high and low 'frequency bands and in which the antennas are mounted outdoors exposed to the weather. Heretofore, the general practice of connecting transmission lines to the terminal lugs provided on such antennas has involi/ed stripping oil the insulation to expose the wire and then connection of the stripped wire to the terminal lugs. Various `forms of wire holders often were employed as `Well as soldering of the terminal lugs to assure proper .electrical contact and to maintain the connection over :the life of the antenna installation. Such connections were exposed to the elements thereby giving rise to corrosion and possible short circuiting or opening of the "connection wire strands such that after connection of the bared wire .to the terminal lugs of the antenna,` continued strain on the conductors caused them to break. Corrosion of the .ex-posed wirealso adversely alected the quality of re .ception of signals by the antenna whereby servicingand repair was the only solution.

Other problems arose from the Ause of heretofore known .transmission line connectors in connection with instal- Llation of the antenna, especially in inconvenient or not readily accessible locations. Ther procedure of preparing .the transmission line for connection-tothe antenna and .actually connecting the line to Vthe terminal lugs of the antenna involved multiple operations which could not be carried out most expeditiously where Vthe antenna was .being installed at such elevated sites -as towers of tall buildings, roofs of multiple story structures, and the like .or under such adverse conditions as. strong winds,l rain ,and snow. ln addition, such adverse weather condi- ;tions subjected the connection of the transmission hne `to great stresses which were likely to break the connection where the bared Awire had been weakened or strands .thereot severed during the stripping of the insulation or ,connection of the bared wire to the terminal lugs. v

Accordingly, it is the principal object of this invention '.to provide a transmission line connector Afor antennas `which by reason of its advantageous construction substantially eliminates the disadvantages heretofore enumer Frequently, the stripping operation acci-V '.dentally caused weakening and .breaking of the exposed tincludes a housing and means operable from exterior of 2 the housing for making the desired connection of said line with the antenna, said connection being established and maintained on the interior of the housing to the com plete protection thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a connector of the character described in which there are provided connector means comprising tapered metallic components and a bearing block slidable on the interior of the housing, said metallic components and bearing block `cooperable to clamp the line therebetween and ettect penetration of the insulation of the transmission line for positive electrical contact completely protected on the interior of the shell and which utilizes the strength of the insulation of the transmission line to relieve strain on and maintain the desired electrical connection.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a transmission line connector of the character described which is comprised of a substantially reduced number of pre-formed parts capable of being assembled to form the connector whereby the cost of manufacture thereof is substantially reduced.

Other objects of the invention will be seen to reside in the provision of such an electrical transmission line `connector' for antennas which is distinguished by the simple and easy manner in which the connection of the line can be made and/or broken employing said connector, .by the great strength of the connection aorded thereby, by the elimination of any need for Itools or mechanical skill in order to effect the connection, the positive and permanent character of the connection afforded by the said connector and suitability of said connector tor use with transmission lines of either at, round or oval configuration.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists ot' certain novel lfeatures of construction, arrangement and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages ot the invention.

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of this invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspec- `tion ot' which, when considered in connection with the similar parts throughout the several iigures of the drawing: v

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the transmission line connector embodying the invention, same being illustrated installed with pertinent portions of an antenna being shown.

FIG.` 2 is a sectional view taken through the connector along line 2--2 of FIG. 3 and in the direction indicated. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-.3 of FIG. 2 and in the direction indicated.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the slidable bearing member and a portion of one of the connector members which cooperate to penetrate the Vinsulation of the transmission line in etecting electrical connection of said line. l

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a fragment of a two-conductor transmission line showing the manner in which the insulation thereof is penetrated by the connector.

Referring to FIG. 1, the transmission line connector .embodying the-invention is designated-generally bythe reference character 20. Also illustrated are pertinent l portions of an antenna which may be any one of a great Lvvariety of reception or'ltransmission antenna'structures "to which 'a transmission line is -tov beconnected. lReference lcharacterr21 representsva portion of an antenna boom to which is mounted the insulation block 22. The block-carries apair of spaced vapart terminal straps or lugs 23V secured on the upper surface thereof, eachstrap `23`having a downwardly Yoffset terminalportion 24 extending outwardly of the 'longitudinal edge '25 of said block. VA dipole element, a yportion 26 of which is illustrated, `is secured-'in electrical yconnection -With Aeach of 4said terminal straps'by means of the bolt 27 extend- *ed through suitable'perforations in the block and adjacent terminal strap and the Awing nut 28. The trans- "mission line is *designated 29 and same `has a conductor thereof electrically connected to terminal portion'24 of 'each terminal strap by means of the-connector 20. The -invention illustrates 'and was lespecially intended for use vwith the well-'known flat SOO-ohmtransmission line 'used with television and Vradio receiving antennas. The'in- `vention'is not limited thereto, however.

The connector is comprised generally of va. mount- 'ing base 4or platform 30, a shell `31 secured -on said base "or platform, afpair of Aconnector members 32cooperably jjsliding said `bearing vblock 33 relativesaid connector fmembers.

It should 'be 'understood that the order of Aenumeration of the various component parts of the uni- .tary connector structure 20 does not'reflect their relaitive `importance in said structure.y EachY of said com-` r*ponent parts will now'be described in detail.

The base or platform preferably comprises a moldjf'ed member of a suitable insulative material, such'as a v"thermo-setting or thermo-plastic resin, ceramic and the 4l'like. 4Said Ahase 30 is generally rectangular'in'configura- "tion Vand the upper surface 35 thereof may 'beformed with elongate "upstandingridges )36 parallel along the -vlength of the member to strengthen said base. A trans- Vverse medial upstanding ridge 37 interconnectsv said kridges 36 and on opposite sides of ridge 37 is provided Aa pair of passageways 38 extending transversely through "the base, each passageway 38 continuing into a hollow, `'annular boss or ring 39 upstanding on said surface '35.

`NAs seen in FIG'. 2, the ridges 37 taper upwardly toward "the transverse center line of the base and level oif on lopposite sides of said center line to provide a some- 'whatthickened flat medial portion designated 40. The bottom or opposite surface 41 ofthe base may'be seen vto be ygenerally flat.

Shell 31 preferably also is formed as an integral `molded'member Vandmay'be of the'same insulative rna- V-terial as the base 30. 'Said/shell includes apair'of parlallel side Walls 42* connectedbetween and perpendicular 'to the parallel lateral Walls 43 and an end wa1l44, 'the vvthickness lof which is substantially greater than that of the walls 42 or 43. Sincethe connector is installed in a vertical Apositiondependingfrelative'boom V21 as Vseen in FIG. 1, the end vWall 44 may be considered `the'bottom 'end wallof the'shell. Theopposite or upper end 45 is open for a special reason subsequently` to'be explained. 'jEach'of the walls "43 may be'seen'tobe of identical, generally isosceles Ytrapezoi'dal configuration' with the vwider dimension thereof adjacent said upper o'r'open'end 45. Walls 43 each have vop'positely extending-planar segments 46 which protrude outwardlyof the lplan'eiof awallv42, and walls tZ-eachV have a-r'ight angle flange 47 extending foutwardly therefromand yconjoined with thesegrnents 46 at the upper end of the housing.

tion.

.-.Each wall .43..has a passageway therenleadingto the interior of the shell, said passageway provided by a recess or slot 48 opening to the upper horizontal edge of each Wall. On `opposite sides of said passageway, each Wall 43 has an outwardly tapered bead formation 50 which is flush Vwith the -upper end Vface of` said wall as indicated `at V51 vin FIG; 3, said .slots v48'opening each to a said end face'51. Referring to FIG. 3, it will beseen that end face 51 of each wall 43 protrudesslightlybeyond the upper free edge .of ange 47v to which said wall 43 is conjoined thereby giving rise to the clearance spaces 52 each extendingthe width .of a wall42.

' Each .ange 47..has apassagewaySS transversely therethrough which connects with an annular ring 54 upstanding .from the bottom surface of the angein theinstalled position of the connector. The passageways 53 are spaced apart laterally the same distance .as the passageways 38 in `baseflt) 1whereby .said passageways can be aligned for reception of.metal fasteners therethrough, such as rivets 55 `supported at their headed .ends .respectively on the `annular rings 39 and 54 for securing the shell 31 to the base 30. vIn .secured position, the shell 31 depends from the bottom planar surface -41'.of. vthe .base with openend 45 of the shell facing said surface 41.

The Yconnector '.members32 each comprise ailat `strip of conductor material, such' as copper, .silver -and .the like, Veach strip being substantially. L-.shaped in .configura- .Shorter Aleg A58 of the strip is connected tothe longer leg 56 `along a line of bend, which is diagonal to .the length ofleg 56. .Each leg 58 is. notched or serrated -along the free Vedge .thereof .to provide a series .of tines or prongs 57, Atheends `of which are sharply pointed. As

seen in `elevational view, the tines 57 `are triangular v,in

configuration to providev `considerable strength 1 in the plane thereof and have their pointedends arranged ,parallel tor-said diagonal line of bend.

The connector members areinstalled` with vtheshorter .legs 5S facing one toward the other .and spaced apart andparallel onerelative .the other and with tines 57 extending into the shell throughthe upper or .open end 45 thereof generally perpendicularv to the end wall 44.

,contact with .the `surface 41 of the base. Each leg 56 is passed .through a saidV space .52 .outwardly of the shell and has `an opening therein through which the rivet 55 extends.` Adjacent the free end thereof, each leg 56 has a circular opening 53 therethrough which is aligned with a similar transverseopening 59` in. the base 30, said .openings59 being .located .adjacent the extremities of .thebase.

.It will thus be .seen that connectors 32 .each have -a portion Y60 thereof extendingoutside of shell 31.and cx- ,posed on vthe bottom-surface 41 of the base.

.Bearing vor clamping block 33 preferably is a preformed molded member which can be made of the same material `asthe base 30 and shell 31. As seen in'FIGS. l3 and 4, block 33 comprises a rectangular'solid having .a planar bottom surface61, a pair of parallel lateral faces 62 generally normal to .surface 61 and e'nd-faces. The rectilinear configuration of surface 6l is complementaryY to the cross-sectional configuration of the interior .of-the shell 31 along a .horizontal plane therethrough and related dimension-wise to permit thev block 33 to be inserted through .the open end 45, surfacel61 viii-st, prior vto yattachment .of the she`l131 to the bas'e30.

Thus installed in the shell, .surface 61' faces the inner .surface of Wall 44, Asurfaces 62 each face the inner surface of a wall 42 and end faces .63 each face the inner surface" of a Wall 43, and the block isslidable inthe shell substantially guided by'said walls 42 and 43. The thickness of said block is substantially less than the distance between the pointed-ends ofthe tinesv57 .and the inner surface of-end-walll44 so as to;permit such.sliding movement of the block.

.nector member. e the groove 65 will be seen to be aligned lengthwise with -said wall.

sagesse The surface 64 of blockl 33 opposite bottom surface 61 thereof has an elongate guide groove or depression 65 of a step-down formation, the opposite ends of the groove 65 opening to the end faces 63. Groove 65 has 'a pair of vertically arranged lateral surfaces 66 convergently tapered toward the bottom surface 67 which each connect with a shoulder formation 68 spaced above and bn opposite sides of bottom surface 67. There are a pair of parallel channels 69 and 70 formed on a bias or diagonally in said block which open to the upper surfface 64 and being of sufficient depth to extend through a shoulder 68 to the bottom surface 67 of the groove.

Also, said channels each open to a surface 62 adjacent opposite end faces 63. The linear distance between the longitudinal centers of said channels 69 and 76 is ap- .proximately equal to the linear distance between oppositely facing tines of legs 58 of the connector members, so that each of said channels opens to said upper surface 64 of the block aligned with a short leg 58 of the con- In the installed position of the block,

the slots 48 in the walls 43.

The actuator means 34 comprises a plunger member in the form of a threaded shank 71 threadedly engaged through opening 72 in the bottom wall 44 with a nut 73 seated in a suitable depression in the inner surface of The shank has a knurled head 74 secured to one end thereof exterior to the shell, the inner end 75 of the shank arranged opposite a metal disc 76 seated centrally in the surface 61 of the block 33. The axis of the shank 71 is generally perpendicular to the plane of Surface 61 of the block and end wall 44 of the shell. l 3 yv advancing the shank 71 in said wall 44, end 75 will `bear against disc 76A and translate the block 33 linearly toward the open end 45 of the shell and the pointed vfines 57.

VWe" consider` the operation of connector 26. Same is lnstalled as seen in FIG.Y 1 supported on lthe protruding terminal portions 24 and secured in place by suitable -fasteners such as round head bolt 77, each engaged through an aligned pair of passageways 58 and 59 and the adjacent terminal portion 24. Each terminal portion 24 has the exposed portion 60 of 'a connector memfber 32 physically engaged therewith and hence, electrically connected thereto. The shell 3l depends between said terminal portions 24. The shank 71 is retracted so that the block 33, freely slidable in the shell will follow in engagement with the inner end of the .upper surface 64 of the block.

The transmission line 29 is then inserted through a slot 48 into the shell between the block 33 and the tines 57 aligned with the groove 65 and out through the slot 48 in the opposite wall 43 any desired distance. The knurled head 74 is rotated to take up on the shank 71'and slide block 33 toward the tines 57. The line 29 will be supported in groove 65 on the shoulders 68 and continued sliding movement of the block 33 will cause the tines 57 of each leg 55 to enter a channel 69 or 70 and bear against the transmission line. Continued pressure exerted by the bearing b lock 33 will cause the pointed ends of the tines to pierce the insulation of the line 29 and eventually engage against the bottom surface 67,of the groove 66 with said line clamped between block 33 and said connector members 32. Referring to FIG. 5, the pattern of the penetration effected by tines 57 is illustrated as a pair of spaced apart parallel rows 32 with a said conductor. The conductors usually are formed of wire strands' which permit the tines 57 easily and readily to penetrate therethrough.

It will thus be seen that the connector 20 eliminates the necessity for stripping of line 29 to expose conductors 81. in order to connect said line to the antenna. The connection is made entirely within the shell 31 thereby affording protection of said connection from rain, snow and other elements of the weather likely to corrode the conductors 81 or the connector components. Since the tines 57 engage through the insulation of line 29, the strength of the insulation material is added to the connection. Strain on the connection is relieved by reason of the length of the line 29 which is supported on the length of the shoulders 68. The connection is therefore substantially stronger and more permanent. Penetration of the teeth or tines 57 assures positive electrical connection of members 32 with the conductors 81, such connection being accomplished merely by rotating the plunger means. To sever the connection, shank 71 need only be retracted thereby withdrawing the block 33 and the line 29 pulled free of the tines 57. The connector 20 can accommodate transmission lines of either flat, oval, circular or other configuration with equal facility.

Variations in the structure described and illustrated are possible without departing fro-m the principles of the invention. For instance, the inner end 75 of the plunger means may be physically connected to the block 33. The plunger 71 may be provided merely to slide in the opening 72 instead of being rotatably mounted in the wall 44. Other means for installing the connector may occur to the skilled artisan as well as different ways and materials for making the component parts of the connector. In its broad aspect, the invention provides for a connector which includes means for mounting same in operational position on the antenna, a housing depending from said mounting means, electrical connector means on the interior of the housing for connecting -each conductor o f the transmission line to an element of the antenna and bearing means cooperable with said connector means from the exterior of the shell or housing for effecting said connection, said electrical connection being characterized by the elimination of any stripping of the insulation of the transmission line and by the protected character of the connection on the interior of the shell or housing.

It is believed the invention has been described in suliicient detail to enable the skilled artisan to understand and practice the same as required by the patent statutes. The invention has been pointed out in claims hereto appended, it being intended the language of these claims be construed in their broadest aspect commensurate with the contribution to the arts and sciences made by same.

I claim:

1. A connector device for electrically connecting conductors of a transmission line to terminals of an antenna, said device comprising a base for installing the device on the antenna, a housing depending from said base having a transverse passageway therethrough, connector members on the interior of the housing and extending outwardly through opposite walls of the housing for electrical connection with said terminals respectively, a slidable bearing member on the interior of the housingsand movable toward and away `from said connector members, an actuator member operable from exterior of the housing for sliding the bearing member toward the connector members, said device operable to receive the transmission line in said passageway between theV connector members and the bearing member, said connector members having means for piercing the insulation of the transmission line to electrically connect each of said conductors thereof to a terminal of the antenna, said actuator member operable to clamp the line between said bearing member and connector members to cause said insulation to be pierced entirely within said housing, said connector members each comprising a substantially L-shaped `striphaving the: shorter leg v,thereof `on 4the interior of Athe housing, `each shorter leg havingpointed formations facing toward the bearingA member providing said piercing means, said bearing member comprising a block havving -a guide groove in a surface thereof opening toward the :shorter legs` and adapted to be aligned with said passageway to receive the transmission line therein, and channel formations opening Ato said surface each aligned with a rsaid shorter leg, said channel formations and 'pointed `formations arranged angularly disposed'relative to the length of said transmission line seated in the groove.

"2. A connector device for electrically connecting conductors of a transmission line to terminals `of an electrical signal translating apparatus comp-rising, a base for installing the device on thev apparatus, an insulative, boxlike housing supported on the base, said housing having a transverse passageway theretl'irough,l connector members on the interior of the housing having terminal segments exterior of the housing for electricalfconnection to the terminals of the apparatus, a bearing member vslidable on the interior of the housing toward and away `'from said connector members, an actuator member operable from exterior of the housing for selectively sliding vsaid bearing member, said connector members each having insulation piercing means for electrically connecting saidl conductors to the terminals of the `apparatus cornprising tapered means facing toward the bearing member, said bearing member having a guide groove in a "surface thereof opening toward saidtapered means and adapted to be aligned with said passageway to receive lthe transmission line therein and channels opening to said surface, each channel being aligned with one of said ta- Aper'ed means, said channels and tapered means being arranged angularly disposed relative to the length of the groove, said bearing member adapted to have the transmission line seated in said groove and thereafter slide toward vsaid tapered means whereby to engage said tapered Ameans in said channels in electrical' connection with the conductors. l

3,-A connector asdescribed in claim 2 in which the inner surfaces of vsaid housing are arranged to guide the movement of said bearing member in the interior of the housing.

4. A connector device forA electrically connecting conductors of a transmission line to terminals of an antenna comprising, a base for installing the device on the antenna, an insulative housing secured to said base having a transverse passageway therethrough, connected means on the interior of the housing having connector portions -exterior to the housing for electrical connection to said terminals respectively, a slidable insulative bearing block on the interior of the housing and movable toward and away from said connector means, a plunger operable from exterior of the housing for sliding the block member toward the connector means, said block member having 'a' groove for seating the transmission line when aligned with said passageway, said connector means including insulation piercing means to electrically conneot each of lsaid conductors to an antenna terminal, said piercing means being arranged in substantially parallel planes diagonal -to the groove and said block having channels 'arranged in complementary alignment with said piercing means, said plunger operable to slide the block to engage said piercing means in said channels to electrically connect the conductors of the transmission line seated in the groove to said terminals entirely within the housing.

5. A connector structure Vof the character described for 'establishing electrical connection between the respective conductors of a relatively flat, flexible, two conductor transmission Aline cable having said two conductors embedded in insulating material parallel one to the other, and two other conductors which comprise a housing `:having a chamber opening to the exterior thereof, a pair 8 of toothed members of conductingmateralrnounted in the chamber and each having a plurality Ofteetharrangd 4to pierce the insulating material along' a 'diagonal line intersecting the longitudinal axis of the cable commencing from an opposite edge of the cable and entirely 'within the housing chamber, each toothed member metalliclly lto contact a different one of said two conductors, terminal means on the exterior of the housing electricallyconnected with said toothed members for electrical connection with said other conductors, a pressure member in said chamber aligned with said toothed'membersand having a guide groove adapted tol be aligned with-said chamber opening for seating the cable therein, means connected with said pressure member and` operable'from exterior of the housing to force the presusre member and toothed members together upon said cable with the toothed members intersecting said Vguide groove, said toothed members being arranged in parallel planesdiagonal to the length of the groove, said guide grooveformed of a bottom wall and a' pair of walls upstandingV along opposite edges of the bottom wall, said upstandingw'alls having ledge formations equally spaced from theV bottom wall and arranged to support the cable thereon ini-said guide groove, said upstanding walls each having a l'diagonal channel therein opening to the upper end ofthe `upstanding wall and intersecting the ledge formation thereof, Aeach 'channel being aligned with atoothed member, said toothed members each adapted to be received in a said' channel to pierce said insulation with the cable supportedA orr said ledge formations.

6. A transmission line connectoifor establishing-,an electrical connection between av two-conductorV electrical transmission line and respective other conductors comprising, a housing having an opening through'whichV said transmission line can be extended, a pressure Ymember having a guide groove having a bottom wall and opposite side walls of step-formation to provide supportledges for the transmission line spaced above the bottom wall; said pressure member being movable in said housing for aligning said guide groove with` said opening to permit said `transmisison line to be'introduced through said opening into the guide groove to be supported on said ledges, said side walls having `a pair of channels each extendingl along a respective line having only one intersection with the longitudinal axis of the transmission line and the guide gr'oove, a pair of serrated members carried by the housing with the serrations of each member opposing said pressure vmember and aligned with a respective one of said .channels, and means for applying pressure from said pressure member to said transmission line when so supported in the guide groove and against serrations of said respective serrated members to pierce the transmission line insulation and establish an electrical connectionv between'a serrated member and one conductor of the transmission line, said channels arranged to permit suffcientengagement of said serratedmembers therein to enable `said insulation to be pierced with said transmission line supported in a strain relieved position on said support ledges.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,433,892 

